UNIT 7: ON THE STREETS

I.       TÓM TẮT LÝ THUYẾT

Vocabulary: City features: leisure facilities, music venue. open-air cinema, etc. Key phrases: Talking about your neighborhood

Reading: Two online texts. Vocabulary plus: Comparative and superlative adjectives

Language Focus: Adverbial clauses of result

Vocabulary and Listening: Buildings and archaeology; Bury, destroy, renovate, etc.

II.   BÀI TẬP ÁP DỤNG

VOCABULARY: City features

Read about the city improvement projects. Which project does not exist yet?

1. In the Spanish town of Llanera, an empty church has been turned into a unique skatepark. Inside, colorful murals have given it a vibrant atmosphere.

2. A New York City community group has transformed an elevated railway line into an urban oasis. The High Line is now a pedestrian walkway through Manhattan filled with trees and plants.

3. In Paris, France, thousands of roller skaters take to the streets on Friday nights for the weekly Pari Roller event. Streets in the city center are closed to heavy traffic so that skaters can speed around in safety.

4. In Croatia, they have found a great new use for some ancient ruins. In the summer, the Pula Arena Amphitheatre, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, is used as an open-air cinema, and sometimes it even becomes a sports stadium.

5. In Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Suoi Tien Amusement Park, which used to be a small forestry farm raising livestock and growing fruit trees, is now a fantastic destination for locals and tourists alike. The park offers a wide range of leisure facilities from thrilling rides and water activities to botanical gardens and cultural exhibits.

6. In Germany, the Duisburg Landscape Park transformed an old industrial site into a beautiful green space. The original factory structures are now used as diving pools and music venues.

Complete city features 1 – 12 with one word from the text. Which project would you most like to see in your city?

Watch or listen. What problems do the people talk about?

Watch or listen again. Which of the key phrases do you hear?

KEY PHRASES

Talking about your neighborhood

There isn’t / aren’t enough …

There’s a lack of …

There’s too much I too little …

There are too many / too few …

I think my town needs …

I wish we had …

Work in groups. Use the key phrases and the ideas in the box to talk about one project to improve your neighborhood.

fun events                        greenspaces                     leisure facilities

public transport                sharing

READING: Two online texts                

Read texts A and B quickly. Then answer questions 1 – 6.

A   Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is a sports stadium in London, England. It opened in 2007 and was built to replace the original Wembley Stadium, which was built in 1923. With a capacity of 90,000, it’s the second largest stadium in Europe. The distinctive features of the stadium are its partially retractable roof and the arch, which is 133 meters high and 315 meters wide. Wembley Stadium hosts the matches of the English national football team as well as the finals of several important football competitions, such as the FA cup and the UEFA Champions League. This stadium is also a concert venue for many well-known musicians.

B   London for sports fans

     London is such an interesting destination with lots of sports events that as a sports fan, there’s no reason to get bored.

     Here’s my top selection.

     Emirates Stadium

I’m not an Arsenal fan myself, but this is one of England’s top football stadiums. Check out the murals outside, which celebrate some of the Gunners‘ most legendary players.

     The Undercroft

This skatepark next to the River Thames has been the heart of Britain’s skate boarding community for over forty years. It’s so popular that you can see some of the most talented skaters and BMXers in the country there.

     Wembley Stadium

This is the biggest stadium in the UK, and in my opinion, it’s the best! You can see the famous arch from miles away; it’s taller than the London Eye. The stadium has such a powerful sound system that the music can be heard clearly from every corner.

     Wimbledon

Lots of top tennis stars have played on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, including the Williams sisters, Federer and Nadal. It’s the only Grand Slam tournament on grass, so Wimbledon has its own hawk, Rufus, to scare away the pigeons. The grass on Wimbledon’s Center Court is maintained so carefully that it’s often considered the best grass court in the world. While you’re here, try the classic dish – strawberries and cream.

Which text …

1. only presents fact?

2. contains facts and opinions?

3. has a chatty tone?

4. has a formal tone?

5. comes from an online encyclopedia?

6. is a personal blog?

Read and listen to the texts. Answer the questions.          

1. When was the first Wembley Stadium opened?

2. What are the distinctive features of Wembley Stadium?

3. Who are the Gunners?

4. Why is the Undercroft skatepark important?

5. What do people typically eat at Wimbledon?

6. What is unique about the Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament?

Find the comparative or superlative forms for 1 – 6 in the texts.

1. large                            

2. legendary                     

3. talented        

4. big

5. good    

6. tall         

Complete sentences 1 – 6 about places you know. Use the adjectives in the box and your own ideas.

The dock tower in my city isn’t as large as Big Ben, but it is very beautiful.

1. ___________ in isn’t as ___________as ___________.

2. ___________ is more than ___________.

3. The ___________ is the ___________ in Europe.

4. ___________ is the ___________ in the world.

5. The most ___________ in my town / city is ___________.

6. The ___________ is as ___________ as___________.             

Work in pairs. Choose some “must – see” sports venues in Viet Nam. What events are held there? Say why these venues are special, and why people should visit them.

Study the examples a – d. Then choose the correct options to complete the rules.

RULES

a. London is such an interesting destination with lots of sports events that as a sports fan, there’s no reason to get bored.

b. The stadium has such a powerful sound system that the music can be heard     clearly from every corner.

c. It’s so popular that you can see some of the most talented skaters.

d. The grass on Wimbledon’s Centre Court is maintained so carefully that it’s     often considered the best grass court in the world.

Complete the text using so or such.

Hue is a historically rich city located in central Viet Nam. The Imperial City in Hue is preserved __________ well that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Viet Nam. The Perfume River in Hue is __________ a beautiful and romantic river that it becomes the deep inspiration to numerous artists, poets, and composers. The cuisine in Hue is unique that it’s known for its imperial cuisine, which was once only served to the royal family but is now available in some of the best restaurants in the city. The city has 4 charming streets and traditional architecture that Hue has become a must – visit city in Viet Nam for history and culture lovers.

Work in pairs. Ask and answer questions a bout your city using so … that and such … that. Use some suggestions in the box to help you.

VOCABULARY AND LISTENING: Buildings and archaeology

Read the Hidden History web page and check the meaning of the verbs in blue. Write the infinitive forms of the verbs.

hidden –  hide

Hidden History

It’s amazing to think of the treasures that might be hidden under your feet. Did you know that many people in everyday locations?

In 2007, Britain’s only complete Viking ship was located under a pub near Liverpool when the owner decided to renovate the building. Construction workers were excavating; an area in order to build a car park, when they accidentally unearthed the 1,000-year-old ship. Thick mud had protected it.

The ship hasn’t been removed yet, but archaeologists plan to restore it. They hope that it will be displayed in a museum one day.

Sometimes, archaeologists know what they’re looking for and get lucky. The skeleton of King Richard III of England was lost for centuries, since the church where he was buried had been destroyed. But recently, the  king’s skeleton was uncovered in a car park in Leicester.

It was examined by experts, who used DNA techniques to confirm die identity of die king. Hidden History takes a closer look at some incredible stories of accidental or lucky discoveries.

Circle the two words in each list that are synonyms.

1. build, construct, destroy

2. bury, find, locate

3. display, uncover, unearth

4. examine, excavate, inspect

5. remove, renovate, restore                      

Listen to the radio program Hidden History. Which discovery is the topic of the program?

Read the sentences and decide what type of information is missing: a date, number or time. Then listen again and complete the sentences.

1. King Richard IV’s skeleton was found in __________.

2. Richard III was killed on __________.

3. He was King of England for __________ years.

4. Greyfriars Church was destroyed __________ years after Richard’s death.

5. Archaeologists started excavating the car park in __________.

6. Richard was __________ years old when he died.

7. The skeleton was dated to between __________ and __________.

8. Richard was reburied in __________.

Work in groups. Choose a historic site in Viet Nam. Discuss the points in the box.

age                         discovery               importance             location

Cu Chi Tunnels are located in Cu Chi District, about 60 km to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. This gigantic underground tunnel system was built in the late 1940s.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Passive: past, present and future

Complete the passive sentences with the words in the box. Then answer questions 1 – 5 below.

a. Many ancient things _____________ accidentally by ordinary people.

b. The skeleton _____________ by experts.

c. They hope it _____________ in a museum one day.

d. Richard III _____________ by a soldier.

e. It’s amazing to think of the treasures that _____________ under your feet.

f. The ship _____________ yet.

1. Which sentence is in the present simple?

2. Which two sentences are in the past simple?

3. Which sentence is in the present perfect?

4. How are future and modal passives formed?

5. When do we use by?

Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets.

1. Locals believe that treasure ________ near here. But no one has found it yet. (bury)

2. The Lascaux cave drawings ________ by children who fell into a hole. (find)

3. DNA tests ________ out by Dr Stevens next month. (carry)

4. The ship ________ because it is under a pub. (can I not remove)

5. The site ________ yet. (not excavate)

6. The treasure ________ until next year. (not display)

7. Ancient treasure ________ under your house. (may / hide)

8. Viking ships like this ________ in England 1,000 years ago. (not build)

Listen to the sentences. Which auxiliary verbs are weak? Which are strong? Listen again and repeat.

1. The remains were discovered in 2016.

2. The ship hasn’t been moved yet.

3. Many treasures aren’t found by experts.

4. Nothing has been found at the site yet.

Complete the newspaper article. Use past, present and future passive forms of the verbs in the box.

Priceless treasure unearthed by Yorkshire builder

This is a century jug and coins were discovered by builder Richard Mason in 2004. The jug ____________ during a house renovation. It in dirt, so I just put it in my garage. The jug ____________  for eight years. One day, I moved it, and gold and silver coins fell out. I was amazed! The treasure ____________ to the British Museum where it ____________ by experts. One gold coin ____________ in Italy in the 1500s and is unique. Currently, the jug ____________ at the British Museum. In the near future, it ____________  on display, and it ____________ “The Mason Hoard! I’m proud that my name ____________ on a museum exhibit.” says Mr. Mason.

Study the passive questions a – f and answer questions 1 and 2.

a. How was the ship located? ’

b. Was the skeleton found by builders?

c. Has the ship been removed yet?

d. When will the ship be restored?

e. Where is the treasure buried?

f. How can ancient objects be dated?

1. Which questions are in the present simple, past simple, present perfect and future?

2. Where do we put be in questions in future and modal forms?

Write questions a bout the text in exercise 4. Then ask and answer with a partner.

1. discovered / the / was / how / treasure / ?

2. taken / where / the / were / jug and coins / ?

3. the / made / coins / all / of / are / gold /?

4. been / the / have / yet / dated / coins/?

5. are / where / now / jug and coins / kept / the / ?

6. the / what / labelled / treasure / be / will / ?

SPEAKING: Describing and comparing photos

Study the sentences from two different descriptions and match them with photos A and B. Then watch or listen and check.

1. I don’t think there are any cafes or shops.

2. Maybe it’s the only park in this part of the city.

3. This could be a bicycle lane.

4. It looks like an industrial site.

5. The area has been renovated.

6. One is a black and white photo of the city many years ago.

Watch or listen again. Which photo does Tegan prefer?

KEY PHRASES

Describing and comparing photos

These two pictures show the same neighborhood of a city.

In the first picture, there are a few cars in front of the church.

It’s hard to see, but I don’t think there are any cafes or shops.

It looks like an industrial site, but I’m not sure. By contrast, in this picture, there’s a large park with trees.

Maybe it’s the only park in this part of the city. This could be a bicycle lane because I can’t see any cars.

Study the Key Phrases. When we aren’t sure, we can use phrases to speculate. Which phrases do this?

Follow the steps in the Speaking Guide.

A. TASK. Look at photos C and D. Describe the photos. Talk about similarities and differences and speculate why things have changed. Explain which you prefer and why.

B. THINK AND PLAN

1. Look at the places. Make notes about the following things in each place:

area              buildings

special         features        people

2. Decide which key phrases you want to use.

C. SPEAK. Describe the photos. Record yourself giving your comments.

D. CHECK. Watch or listen to your comments. What can you improve?

WRITING: A tourist information leaflet

Read the tourist information leaflet and answer the questions.

HO CHI MINH CITY LANDMARKS

The Central Post Office: Located in the heart of the city, at 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1, the Central Post Office was built between 1886 and 1891, and it is still a working post office today. This magnificent building is a perfect example of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Visitors can admire its grand interior with complex metalwork, and a vast collection of antique telephones and stamps. It’s also a great place to purchase unique souvenirs, including postcards and stamps.

For those who want to learn more about the history and significance of Ho Chi Minh City landmarks, the visitor center located near the entrance of the Central Post Office is well worth a visit. Here, you can find information about the building’s construction, as well as maps and brochures that will help you explore the area.

The No – tre Dame Cathedral:   Just a short walk across the Central Post Office, you’ll find the Notre Dame Cathedral, another must – see landmark. It was built in the late 19th century and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of neo – Romanesque architecture in Southeast Asia.

The cathedral has the twin bell towers that reach a  height of about 58 meters. Looking up, visitors can marvel at the stunning stained – glass windows and beautiful carvings. The cathedral can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers. It’s also a popular spot for photographers, as the stunning facade of the cathedral makes for a perfect backdrop.

1. Which street is the leaflet about?

2. When were the landmarks built or installed?

3. What style is each building?

4. Where is the visitor center and what can you see there?

5. Where can you buy some wonderful souvenirs?

Study the key phrases and find them in the text.

KEY PHRASES

Describing a building

… is one of … buildings.

Look right / left / up / down.

The … was built / installed in …

It is located in / near …

… is well worth a visit.

Study the table. Then add the words in blue from the texts to the table.

Follow the steps in the Writing Guide.

WRITING GUIDE

A. TASK. Write a section of a tourist information leaflet (100-120 words) for a building in your city or a city you know.

B. THINK AND PLAN

1. Where is it located?

2. When was it built?

3. What style is it?

4. Is there anything interesting to see inside / outside the building?

5. What is the history of the building?

C. WRITE. Use your notes from B to write a first draft of your tourist information leaflet.

D. CHECK

passive forms

key phrases

adverbs and prepositions of place